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W&L's Institute for Honor Keynote Features David Hackett Fischer

David Hackett Fischer, the University Professor and Earl Warren Professor of History at Brandeis University, will deliver the keynote address at the Institute for Honor Symposium “George Washington: Leadership With Honor” at Washington and Lee University on Friday, March 28, in Lee Chapel. The welcome and introductions begin at 4 p.m. and the lecture begins at 4:15 p.m.

The title of Fischer’s talk is “George Washington and the Ethics of Leadership.” It is open to the general public and free of charge.

Watch the event live online >

Later that evening, nationally regarded scholar/performer William G. (Bill) Chrystal, will speak in Lee Chapel at 8 p.m. as Alexander Hamilton, the U.S.’s first Secretary of the Treasury and long-time associate of George Washington. This also is free and open to the public.

As Hamilton, Chrystal will discuss Washington’s views of honor and leadership, as they impacted the Continental cause during the Revolutionary War and in the forming of our national government. Hamilton will also answer audience questions, followed by a brief out-of-character segment with Chrystal.

The Institute for Honor Symposium “George Washington: Leadership With Honor” will examine how Washington’s leadership was formed by his understanding of honor’s role in establishing and perpetuating self-government.

Fischer is the author of 10 books including the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Washington’s Crossing” (2004), “Champlain’s Dream” (2009), “Liberty and Freedom” (2005), “The Great Wave: Price Revolution and the Rhythm of History” (1996) and “Paul Revere’s Ride” (1994). He co-authored “Bound Away” in 2000. His most recent book is “Fairness and Freedom: A History of Two Open Societies: New Zealand and the United States” (2012).

Fischer received the 2006 Irving Kristol Award from the American Enterprise Institute and was admitted as an honorary life member of the Society of the Cincinnati in 2006. In 2009 he was decreed a member of “L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” at the highest rank of Commandeur by the Minister of Culture of France. He has received numerous teaching awards.

Established in 2000 at Washington and Lee by a generous endowment from the Class of 1960, the Institute for Honor includes an array of initiatives and specific programs designed to promote the understanding and practice of honor as an indispensable element of society. The Institute for Honor Symposium is dedicated to the advocacy of honor as the core value in personal, professional, business and community relations.